Mr. Fintan Gorman:

That is a national figure. When the figures for the Feale are examined at micro level it is one of the better rivers. It is not closed to angling because the standing scientific committee work out on the basis of counter-data that the Feale exceeds its conservation level, therefore so much fish are available for exploitation. It is above that level and they are allowed to catch a certain number of fish in the Feale. I cannot answer the question on the counter-data, that is a management matter and I suggest the Deputy refer it to management.

I agree with the Deputy that the graph is down and that there is quite a danger in the next generation that we will have béaloideas, a distant memory of when it used to be a good fishery, if we do not take serious steps to change many things. I agree with the Deputy on that. Many would say, which is very controversial but I will kick the ball into the pitch, if we want to maintain these rivers long term we must go to hatcheries.